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Health Care Reform Hinges on House Abortion Vote

Stupak amendment blocks private insurers offering procedure

By Caroline Miller,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 7, 2009 6:05 AM CST

(Newser) – In a last-ditch effort to corral 40 anti-abortion party members whose votes are needed to pass health care reform, Democrats last night agreed to let the whole House vote today on an amendment that would bar insurers participating in the new government-run health care exchange from providing abortions except in the case of rape, incest or to protect the mother's health. It would also prevent people who receive federal subsidies from buying private insurance that covers abortion.

Drafted by Michigan Rep. Bart Stupak, the compromise is expected to be supported by every House Republican as well as the block of Democrats. Expect contentious floor debate, as abortion rights backers were outraged by the move, saying it would roll back care available to many women by forcing private insurers to drop coverage. As written, the bill merely requires that abortions be paid for by the private portion of a patient's premium.


A anti abortion protestors stand outside the Supreme Court in Washington, Monday, Oct. 5, 2009, along with a group of people lined up waiting to get inside for the start of a new session.
A anti abortion protestors stand outside the Supreme Court in Washington, Monday, Oct. 5, 2009, along with a group of people lined up waiting to get inside for the start of a new session.   (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Anti abortion supporter Matt Lockett, of Washington, stands outside the Supreme Court in Washington, Monday, Oct. 5, 2009, as the court started its new session.
Anti abortion supporter Matt Lockett, of Washington, stands outside the Supreme Court in Washington, Monday, Oct. 5, 2009, as the court started its new session.   (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
House Energy and Commerce subcommittee Chairman Rep. Bart Stupak during a hearing Friday, June 12, 2009, on Capitol Hill.
House Energy and Commerce subcommittee Chairman Rep. Bart Stupak during a hearing Friday, June 12, 2009, on Capitol Hill.   (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
House Oversight and Investigations subcommittee Chairman Rep. Bart Stupak, D-Mich.on Capitol Hill Thursday, March 19, 2009, during the subcommittee's hearing.
House Oversight and Investigations subcommittee Chairman Rep. Bart Stupak, D-Mich.on Capitol Hill Thursday, March 19, 2009, during the subcommittee's hearing.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 10 comments
caljmc
Nov 9, 2009 1:06 AM CST
Actually, it isn't that funny. You should remember that we're not in the 50s anymore. Contraception is much more readily available now (especially to teens) and having sex (and using contraception) is much less stigmatized than it was in the 50s. If you want to look at it realistically, the health plan is simply discouraging IRRESPONSIBLE sex. And maybe you're still stuck in the 50s or too focused on fox-hating, but the US is not made out of money. Cost-control is still important, especially in this economic climate.
ducme
Nov 8, 2009 6:31 AM CST
I keep coming back to the fact that NO ONE has the right to tell you what to do with your body IT IS YOUR DECISION ALONE
Fondue
Nov 8, 2009 4:24 AM CST
This amendment is a shame. Basically what it is saying to women is you have to pay "out-of pocket" or get a separate private policy to cover your unplanned pregnancy. As if people plan unplanned pregnancies. But I guess that is the whole idea behind insurance. Hell, maybe there should be insurance for each individual risk known to man.

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